Audience: international

We strongly encourage International JD students seeking to understand their own individual visa situation to utilize the resources available at the Harvard International Office (HIO). Among other topics of interest, their Employment page provides detailed information on work authorization and their Taxes and Social Security page explains the U.S. tax obligations for international students. We highlight here some […]

HLS Programs and Offices Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA) offers many resources for students interested in international public service work. Several advisors have expertise in international work, including: international public service, including human rights (Ginny Greiman), international development (Ginny Greiman), international fellowships (Judy Murciano), and federal government (Joan Ruttenberg and Catherine Pattanayak). Our Career and Application Guides provide in-depth information, narratives, and resources on specific […]

Health Insurance You must have health insurance and you should be familiar with what is covered and what is not when traveling abroad. Also, before traveling, you should acquaint yourself with the health care system in your destination country, including the quality of facilities and cost of services. All registered Harvard students are automatically enrolled […]

If you are a student with a disability requesting accommodations abroad, please contact Lakshmi Clark-McClendon, Assistant Director of Student Services at lclark@law.harvard.edu or 617-496-2437 to discuss accommodations.

The International Summer Employment Program (ISEP) provides 1Ls with the opportunity to work abroad at prominent foreign (non-US) law firms during 1L summer. The employers who participate are eager to receive applications from Harvard students to work as interns with their firms. Former student participants have told us that the program provided them with an exciting and interesting perspective on the practice of law (not to mention the opportunity to spend a summer abroad).

When can I expect to practice abroad? Most firms wait to send associates abroad until after at least a couple of years of practice in a U.S. office. There are however, some firms, especially the London firms, which hire directly for the U.S. Practice group in London. In general, however, students should plan to spend […]

Practice Areas Most US-trained JDs working in the Middle East practice energy-related law, US corporate law in the areas of capital markets and structured/project finance, or hospitality-related real estate and financing work. Energy work is by far the most significant in the region and can involve the development, financing, construction, acquisition, and/or disposition of energy […]

Locations London, UK London is the most popular European market for US lawyers. Almost every large international US-based law firm has an office in London and some of these offices house hundreds of attorneys. London is also the headquarters of the Magic Circle, the five leading U.K.-based law firms: Freshfields, Bruckhaus & Deringer;  Linklaters; Clifford Chance; […]

Locations China is the most vibrant market for U.S. lawyers seeking to relocate to Asia. Hong Kong was traditionally the location of choice, and bolstered by their home-jurisdiction advantage, UK based firms began their practice in the days of British rule. U.S. based firms also have been in Hong Kong for decades and many are […]

Most US-trained JDs who have a Latin America based practice focus on the areas of capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, and finance. US lawyers often represent American companies investing in Latin America, or Latin American businesses investing in the US. Many industries, including energy, natural resources, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and manufacturing, are represented in these transactions.  A small number of US lawyers with a Latin America based practice also focus on international arbitration or environmental law. US law firms have historically developed close, long term relationships with elite local firms in each Latin American country and these relationships result in work for both parties.

International students at HLS are on student visas which allow for summer employment. However, students must apply in advance (and in many cases several months in advance) for this type of work authorization and, depending upon the type of visa and the type of job, the process for obtaining permission to work can differ. International students should make an appointment with an advisor in the Harvard International Office (“HIO”) as soon as possible to learn about the different requirements and application timelines, and to receive individualized advice.

So, you have decided to spend time abroad. Perhaps you are the restless, nomadic type, eager for international exploration and adventure. Perhaps you are a reluctant émigré, requested by your employer to spend some time abroad. Whether you are moving abroad permanently or only for a short period of time, there are incredibly extensive resources […]